MINUTES
Meeting of the
City of Huntington Park City Council
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
The City Council hybrid virtual/in-person meetings are held pursuant to AB361 because state and local officials are recommending measures to promote social distancing conducted this meeting in accordance with
The regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Huntington Park, California was called to order at 6:02 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 6550 Miles Avenue, Huntington Park, California; Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez presiding.
PRESENT: Councilmember(s): Graciela Ortiz, Karina Macias, Arturo Flores, Vice Mayor Marilyn Sanabria and Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Martinez.
ABSENT: None
CITY OFFICIALS/STAFF: City Manager Ricardo Reyes; Cesar Roldan Director of Public Works; Raul Alvarez Assistant City Manager; Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk; Cosme Lozano Police Chief, John Balderas, Finance Manager; Steve Foster Director of Community Development; Sergio Infanzon Director of Communications; Araceli Almazan City Attorney, Cynthia Norzagaray Director of Parks & Recreation -Absent.
INVOCATION
Invocation was led by Mayor Martinez.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Martinez.
PRESENTATION(S)
1. PROCLAMATION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY AMERICAN HEART HEALTH MONTH
Prior to beginning the second presentation item, Mayor Martinez requested item two (2) under the presentation section of the agenda be moved to the March 7, 2023 meeting.
2. CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION TO THE WRESTLING GUY STORE
CELBRATING TEN YEARS OF BUSINESS IN HUNTINGTON PARK
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following members of the public provided public comment related to the police involved incident that occurred on January 26, 2023:
1. Taisha Welch
2. Cliff Smith Christian Contreras
3. Ebonique (No last name given)
STAFF RESPONSE
City Manager Ricardo Reyes stated that although the city will not be providing comments regarding an ongoing investigation, the City is complying fully with the investigative process.
City Clerk Eduardo Sarmiento shared that City Council agendas are posted 72 hours in advance in compliance with the Brown Act. He added that the Brown Act also stipulates meetings must be open to the public and this is clearly stated on the agenda. He concluded his comments by stating no calls were received by the City Clerk’s office requesting clarification regarding public attendance at City Council meetings.
CLOSSED SESSION
City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman stated that it is appropriate to recess to closed session. Mayor Martinez recessed into closed session at 6:26 p.m.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Construction Industry Force Account Council v. City of Huntington Park Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 20STCPO3947
2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE/DISMISSAL/RELEASE
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Mayor Martinez reconvened the Council meeting from Closed Session at 7:06 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Almazan reported that the record should reflect that with all five Councilmembers present, the two items on the closed session agenda were discussed.
With regard to item number one (1) and item number two (2) on the closed session agenda, Council was briefed but no final action was taken. This concluded the closed session report.
CONSENT CALENDAR
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
MOTION: Councilmember Macias moved to approve the consent calendar with the, seconded by Vice Mayor Sanabria. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
1. CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINTUES
Approve Minute(s) of the following City Council Meeting(s):
1. Regular Successor Agency held January 17, 2023
2. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE
CITY TO CONTINUE ITS TELECONFERENCED OPEN MEETINGS PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361 AND ASSEMBLY BILL 2449
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the City of Huntington Park to Conduct Teleconferenced Open Meetings in Accordance with Assembly Bill 361 and Assembly Bill 2449.
FINANCE
3. CHECK REGISTERS
RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
1. Approve Accounts Payable and Payroll Warrant(s) dated February 21, 2023;
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR
REGULAR AGENDA
Prior to item four (4) of the regular agenda being introduced City Manager Reyes pulled the item.
PUBLIC WORKS
4. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON’S INNOVATIVE UTILITY
ELECTRIC VEHICLE STREET CHARGING PILOT AGREEMENT AND BESTFIT FLO SERVICES USA, INC.’S MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT ADDENDUM RECOMMENDED THAT CITY COUNCIL:
Item four (4) was pulled from the agenda by City Manager Ricardo Reyes.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
5. APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF TWO POLICE DEPARTMENT PATROL
OPERATIONS DIVISION VEHICLES AND SUPPLEMENTARY EQUIPMENT MOTION: Councilmember Sanabria moved to authorize the requisition of funds to purchase two Police Department Patrol Services Division police patrol vehicles from the FORD MOTOR COMPANY, specifically Grieco Ford in Raynham, MA.; and approve an appropriation in the amount not to exceed $160,990 to account number 741-8060-431.74-10, capital equipment – vehicles in the City’s Vehicle Maintenance Fund; and authorize the Chief of Police to purchase the vehicle and equip the vehicles with associated technology and emergency response equipment, seconded by Councilmember Ortiz. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
CITY CLERK
6. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO VARIOUS COMMISSIONS
Councilmember Arturo Flores made the following appointments:
Health and Education Commission – Liselda Fabian
Parks and Recreation Commission – Michelle Ybarra
Youth Commission – Francisco Mares
Mayor Martinez appointed Emily Cortez to Parks and Recreation Commission.
END OF REGULAR AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARINGS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
7. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT NUMBER TWO TO THE FY 2022-2023 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN (AAP) FOR COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS AND HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIPS (HOME) FUNDS
MOTION: Vice Mayor Sanabria moved to approve Substantial Amendment Number Two (2) to the Annual Action Plan for FY 2022-2023, inclusive of any comments received by the City Clerk during the 30-day public comment period; and authorize City Manager to make the appropriate amendments as described in Substantial Amendment Number Two (2); and authorize City Manager to execute all required documents for transmittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD); and amend the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget in accordance with the approved Substantial Amendment, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
AYES: Council Member(s): Ortiz, Macias, Flores, Vice Mayor Sanabria and Mayor Martinez
NOES: None
END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Communications Director Sergio Infanzon shared information on upcoming events and available resources provided in the Huntington Park newsletter.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Ortiz requested staff address the question regarding rates when the city makes the switch from CR&R to Valley Vista via communication methods at staff disposal including the newsletter.
Community Development Director Steve Forster shared that there will be no increase in fees at this time.
Councilmember Macias thanked staff for all their hard work, and encouraged everyone to stop by at the Veterans event this Saturday, February 25, 2023 at the Salt Lake Park Community Center.
Councilmember Flores also thanked staff for all their hard work and echoed Councilmember Macias message encouraging Veterans from Huntington Park and all neighboring communities to attend the event on February 25, 2023. He added that the city is hosting the event in collaboration with the West Los Angeles Greater Los Angeles Veterans Association to provide resources and display gratitude to all members of the armed forces.
Vice Mayor Sanabria thanked staff for their hard work and wished everyone a good night.
Mayor Martinez thanked staff for always keeping everyone safe. He then requested the Police Department patrol the newly reopened Rita Parking structure especially in the evening to provide a safe environment for the community that utilizes the structure.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Martinez adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m. The next City of Huntington Park City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday March 07, 2023 at 6:00 pm Respectfully submitted
Eduardo Sarmiento, City Clerk